Ex-scoutmaster Charged With Abuse

February 14, 1988

A former Burbank scoutmaster and park director charged with sexually abusing three young boys and suspected of abusing as many as 10 other boys posted a $50,000 cash bond on Friday and was released from jail. The bond for Thomas E. Hacker, 51, of 7834 Lockwood Ave., Burbank, had been set at $500,000 after he was arrested earlier this week, but he was required to put up only 10 percent of the money. Authorities have said other charges may be filed against Hacker in connection with the abuse of 10 other boys between the ages of 10 and 14. Hacker is presently charged with five counts of aggravated criminal sexual assault. The alleged victims, two 12-year-olds and a 13-year-old, were members of a Boy Scout troop that Hacker had headed for eight years until he stepped down in November. Hacker is the former director of the Burbank Park District.